Summer’s high temperatures, winds such as “tramontane” and “mistral”...winter fog, below zero temperatures, snow, hail, rain storms. Weather conditions can prove a challenge when preparing a trip. It is good to know that high-speed trains operate all year round, come rain, hail or sunshine. In some cases, trains may slow down to 220 km/hour. A heavy snow storm may mean trains slow down for security reasons to 160 km/hour. “Brush” trains clear the lines between 3am-4am before services commence. On a normal business day, there is a TGV every three minutes, which keeps the lines clear. However, in most weather conditions, trains depart and arrive as per usual.
High winds in the south of France (tramontane and mistral), if they hit 140 km/hour – a very rare occasion – may slow trains down and trains may switch from high-speed lines to use regular train lines, which offer more protection from lateral winds.
The only incredible but natural phenomena which halted trains in the north of France was in 2003, when salt was deposited on the Calais-Lille line following a violent sea storm. The salt brought everything to a halt and it took 3 cleaner trains to free up the lines.
Such occurrences are rare. Travellers can be sure that whether it rains, hails or snows, they will travel in comfort and style on board French Railways.
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